Smith, Tongyik desperate for NYL Championship crown

Ahead of Adelaide United Youth Team’s Foxtel National Youth League Final on Saturday, Dylan Smith and Ruon Tongyik have both said the Young Reds are confident they can return to South Australia as NYL Champions.

With the match only days away, the Young Reds have had close to two weeks to prepare for the Final, with Smith believing he and his teammates are as well rehearsed for the match as possible.

“The team and I have prepared really well this week at training, Michael (Valkanis) trained us very hard and we are all fit and raring to go for Saturday,” said Smith.

“I think a massive advantage for us this this season is that our chemistry is very high. Last season we didn’t play as well structurally as we do this year so that’s something that will definitely play into our hands.

“Playing in the NPL State League last year has really helped our performances this season in the NYL.

“We all know each other really well and we’re playing better because of it, so we’re confident that will help us in securing a result this weekend.”

After what was a fantastic domestic season for United’s Youth, the squad won six out of their eight matches, including beating cross-border rivals, Melbourne Victory, both home and away. And Smith singled out the Young Reds’ opening match of the season, against Victory, as an early, season-defining moment, assisting the team in their road to Saturday’s Final.

“I think beating Victory in Round 1 and winning 4-2 at home was pretty important and special for us,” said Smith. “Getting our season off to a good start was just what we needed and we are very proud of our efforts.

“Since that match we have progressed and really shown what we can do and with us playing in the Grand Final, it’s obvious.”

Fellow Young Red, Ruon Tongyik, also admires the team’s hard work this season, but has insisted there is still one more challenge that lies ahead, with the entire season’s efforts culminating in the Final.

“We are going to go out there do what have been doing all season,” said Tongyik. “Even though we know it’s a tough team we are facing in Sydney FC we are going to give it everything.

“So for this last match we just need to put everything on the line and hopefully come out as National Youth League Champions.

“The harder we work, the easier the result will come.”

Adelaide United Youth Team will face Sydney FC Youth Team in the Foxtel National Youth League 2015/16 Grand Final on Saturday, 23 January at Central Coast Stadium. Kick-off is at 3.30pm ACDT.​